We often scold our child for their misbehavior or mischiefs, but when they behave well, all we have to say is good. Many of us might be questioning that what’s wrong with that. There is nothing wrong with telling them that they did well but saying just that does not encourage the child to do more of it, but when you scold the child, your vocabulary suddenly increases and you can go nonstop. Most of the children misbehave to get attention.  When children behave well, we either praise them with words like ‘good’ or ‘very good’ or ignore them. However, when they do something wrong, we let fly. In fact, one of the main reasons for misbehavior and tantrums is to get attention. Children crave attention, whether it is positive or negative.

To effectively encourage children to good/desired behavior, we must first stop ourselves from discouraging them. Many parents feel that pointing out mistakes and criticizing children will help them to perform and behave acceptably. However, excessive criticism demotivates a child and lowers self-esteem. Every parenting situation brings with it an opportunity to either encourage or discourage our children. You discourage when you focus on the child’s mistakes, criticize, humiliate, nag, or sarcastic, shout or punish the child. You encourage when you focus on good behavior and appreciate it with words of encouragement. You discourage when you spoil the child and do things for him that he is capable of doing for himself and you encourage when you help the child become independent and give her responsibilities that she can handle.
You encourage when you let the child progress one step at a time and motivate him/her to do better with words of appreciation. You discourage when you put your child down every time she wants to attempt something new that may be difficult according to you.

There is the difference between praise and encouragement. Praise is the words that express great approval or admiration, and encouragement as support of a kind that inspires confidence and a will to continue or develop. Praise is external and approval based. Encouragement motivates children to want to do better for themselves, stimulating internal growth. Encouragement helps children to value themselves and increases their belief in their abilities. They realize
that although they may not be perfect, their efforts have been noticed. This makes them feel good about themselves and they strive to achieve more.

Describe what impressed you when you say well to your child. Words used along with a description, become more effective. It says that the child is important and you notice things he does. Be honest while encouraging your child. Look for things that you genuinely like. Find
something that you can sincerely appreciate and be specific. Do it for love because encouraging your child displays your love for him or her. Praising well will help to boost your child’s self esteem. The most important thing is to look for the strengths and focus on them.